Adelaide has kept its SANFL finals hopes alive with a comprehensive 45-point victory over South Adelaide on Saturday afternoon.
The Crows were never headed in the clash at a windy Noarlunga Oval, running out eventual 14.12 (96) to 7.9 (51) winners.
Mitch Grigg dominated with 34 possessions, 11 marks and seven clearances as Adelaide’s linkup man through the midfield. It was a complete performance from the classy left-footer, who pushed forward to finish with two goals.
Ian Callinan was also outstanding with four goals, including his 200th SANFL major, from 18 disposals.
In-form defender Luke Thompson blanketed SANFL leading goalkicker Brett Eddy, holding the former Eagle to just two goals for the match. Eddy booted seven majors in South’s 78-point victory last week.
Matt Crouch received close attention from the opposition in the opening quarter, following the 19-year-old’s 42-possession performance at Richmond Oval last week. Crouch responded after a quiet three-possession first term to finish with 25 disposals, five inside 50ms and a goal.
With their season on the line, the SANFL Crows showed ferocious tenacity all afternoon and extended their lead at every change. A run of four consecutive goals midway through the second quarter effectively killed off the contest, with the visitors in total control of the match thereafter.
It was Adelaide's second win over the Panthers this season, after the Crows recorded a 21-point victory back in Round Eight.
Coach Younie said it was Adelaide’s most complete performance of the year.
“That was probably as even of a contribution as we’ve had,” Younie said post-match.
“For us it’s all about process. We want to win and we are here to compete, but it all comes back to our systems and structures that allow us these kinds of opportunities.
Younie praised Adelaide’s backline, which held the Panthers to their lowest total of the season.
“Our guys were able to defend quite aggressively and force turnovers today,” Younie said.
“I thought a lot of our scoring opportunities came from some really positive defence.
“But a lot of that also comes from good pressure up the ground. So in all, it was just a solid and even contribution across the board.”
Matt Thompson enjoyed more freedom up forward, booting the first goal of the match in blustery conditions at Noarlunga.
Adelaide stepped up its pressure in the second term to earn a string of repeat forward 50m entries in the second quarter.
Jack Osborn was one of the Crows’ beneficiaries up forward. The 205 cm rookie showed a glimpse of his potential with an outstanding solo effort from a ruck contest as Adelaide piled on four consecutive goals to take a commanding 33-point lead at the 24-minute mark.
Opportunities to Brooksby, Hourigan and Rolfe went begging before the Panthers closed the deficit to 24 points through a goal to Jake Veide in the shadows of half time.
A three-goal spree in the opening seven minutes of the third term put the Crows back in the driver’s seat, with Ian Callinan’s third major stretching the margin out to 42 points.
Adelaide then maintained its advantage until the final siren to keep its 2014 finals hopes flickering in the Club’s debut SANFL season.
ADELAIDE 3.3 8.6 11.10 14.12 (96)
SOUTH ADELAIDE 1.1 4.6 5.7 7.9 (51)
GOALS
Adelaide: Callinan 4, Lyons 2, Grigg 2, Graham 2, M. Thompson, Spina, Osborn, M. Crouch
South Adelaide: Eddy 2, Macleod 2, C. Daniel, Veide, Brooksby
BEST
Adelaide: Grigg, L. Thompson, Callinan, Ellis-Yolmen, Lyons, M. Crouch, Shaw
South Adelaide: Cross, Macleod, Rose, Brooksby, Liddle, Dale
INJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
South Adelaide: Durdin (hamstring), Gulden (ankle)
